Mathematics with Computer Science

Combine your passion for maths and computer science – explore calculus, algebra, and probability in fresh ways, while diving into computing-heavy fields like AI, fluid dynamics and high-performance computing to solve real-world scientific challenges.

Research-informed teaching
Learn from research-active staff who apply mathematical methods to real-world challenges. Access to the High Performance Computer supports advanced research, especially in your final year.

Career-ready skills
Gain in-demand abilities like problem-solving, coding and communication. A paid placement year boosts employability – many students secure multiple job offers before graduating.

Supportive community
Enjoy a close-knit academic environment with small tutorials, approachable lecturers, student-led learning sessions and an active Maths Society.

This course is for you if...

• you want to master the mathematical and computing skills that power today’s most exciting technologies

• you are looking for hands-on experience with parallel computing and high-performance systems

• you enjoy the flexibility to explore pure mathematics or pivot into computing-intensive fields

• you enjoy being part of a close-knit, supportive and collaborative community.

Course Modules

Year 1
Mathematics is the foundation of computer science, and those who master both are uniquely positioned for high-impact careers. In your first year, you’ll build a solid mathematical foundation that underpins computer science and the rest of your degree. You won’t just learn the theory; you’ll master Python programming, one of the most in-demand skills in industry today, opening doors to cutting-edge careers in cryptography and security. You will develop mathematical knowledge in calculus, matrices, and probability, and discover how computational mathematics can reveal powerful new insights from complex data.

Throughout the course, you will benefit from direct support from expert lecturers in small, friendly group sessions designed to give you a truly personalised experience. By the end of your first year, you’ll not only be primed for success on the course but you’ll have the freedom to tailor your journey, with the flexibility to switch to one of our other exciting specialist mathematics degrees if your interests change.

Year 2
In Year 2, you’ll take both mathematical and computer science learning to the next level; exploring and evaluating the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms. You won’t just deepen your knowledge; you’ll sharpen your employability skills. In our case studies from industry module, you’ll apply mathematics to genuine business challenges, mastering operational research – the mathematics of decision making in business.

You will be taught Monte Carlo methods which are industry-standard techniques used to solve intricate logistical problems and advanced software for Bayesian learning from data, the same tools used in finance, engineering, and supply chain optimisation around the world.

By the end of your second year, you won’t just have a deep understanding of key mathematical and computer science concepts, you’ll have a cutting-edge toolkit of modern problem-solving skills that employers are searching for.

Optional placement year
Our placement year is your chance to step into the real world and make an immediate impact. You’ll apply your mathematical and computer science expertise within a professional context, from software and games development to research and healthcare, government and beyond. Whether you’re optimising business strategies, driving innovation in tech, or contributing to life-changing research, you’ll see first-hand how powerful and versatile your skills really are.

Not only will you gain invaluable experience and confidence, but many of our placement students secure graduate roles as a direct result of their year in industry. In addition to the skills and experiences you will gain, placement salaries are typically around £20,000.

When you return to Plymouth, you’ll come back energised and inspired, with a clear vision of how mathematics and computer science shapes the world and a renewed drive to excel in your final year.

Final year
In your final year, you take a deep dive into specialised computer science topics including the use of Plymouth’s high performance computing facilities to perform large scale simulations. You can also learn how to program quantum computers, an exciting and highly relevant skill for the future.

A standout feature of the final year is your project work – whether it’s a research-driven individual project under the guidance of a computing expert, a dynamic industry placement, a school-based experience, or a collaborative case study in a small team.

By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a degree – you’ll have a portfolio of advanced knowledge, hands-on experience, and real-world problem-solving skills that make you stand out. Your next adventure may be a professional graduate job, or further study. Whatever you want, you will be exceptionally well placed for future success.rld and a renewed drive to excel in your final year.